January 29, 2010
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung
c/o Embassy of Vietnam
1233 20th Street NW #400
Washington, DC 20036
Dear Prime Minister Dung:
We are writing to express our utmost concern for the wellbeing of writer and democracy activist Tran Khai Thanh Thuy, detained since 8 October 2009.
It has come to our attention that Ms. Thuy, suffering from tuberculosis and diabetes, was unfairly arrested for her peaceful expression and is currently without access to the urgent medical attention she desperately needs. The gravity of this situation brings our deepest worries for the safety and health of Ms. Thuy.
We urge the Government of Vietnam to allow Ms. Thuy familial visitation so that she can be provided with the necessary medication. We seek your urgent response in providing Ms. Thuy with full access to all proper and necessary care.
Tran Khai Thanh Thuy is an honorary member of English PEN, as well as recipient of the 2007 Human Rights Watch Hellman/Hammett Award and the 2009 Vietnamese Human Rights Award.
In the spirit of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which your country is a signatory, we urge the Government of Vietnam to act upon its international human rights commitments and release Ms. Thuy from prison.
Sincerely,
EDWARD R. ROYCE
CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH
ANH “JOSEPH” CAO
